Written by Dr Sam Goldstone-Brady

NPHT has been a foundational part of my time both in heritage and academia. My involvement began with my PhD about the historical development of sport wheelchair technology, a collaborative partnership project between NPHT and University of Glasgow. I had come through to the PhD with a background in disability history, but with no knowledge of the Paralympics specifically. As part of the PhD, I started to write blogs about my research and get involved with the history and the NPHT team. In 2021, I undertook a six-month placement, assisting with collections (including more blogs) and developing projects like the walking tour app. I really enjoyed this and made sure to stay in close contact with the organisation as I finished my research.

Then, as I was handing in my thesis (which you can read here), a role with the collections became available. This was both exciting and overwhelming - I knew a bit about the collection from my research, but fully managing it was a whole new challenge. Slowly but surely, I came to grips with this new role, and supported on a number of great projects - from our ’Story of the Games’ exhibition in central London to our ongoing Global Virtual Museum project. Moreover, being part of the 10 year anniversary of the organisation felt really special as the first PhD student linked with the organisation.

One of the key highlights for me the last two years have certainly been the co-creation and participatory workshops that inform so much of NPHT’s work. I have had the pleasure of leading co-creation sessions, discussing objects with Paralympians and members of the public to think deeply about accessibility and develop our interpretation. I also really enjoyed work with the Sensational Museum and W-ICAD practitioners to really consider how we engage blind and partially sighted people with our collections. All my learning around accessibility, inclusion, and developing strong partnerships is something I will keep with me.

I love the NPHT’s collection and can’t wait to see how it continues to develop in the future. Some of my favourite objects are the types of things you can’t see anywhere else, such as early Stoke Mandeville Games medals or photographs of athletes having a beer during the Games. Admittedly, the items I am most fond of are ones I helped bring in, such as the Aster Torino 2006 mascot featured in our Italian GVM gallery - won in a close bidding war! I know there are so many amazing stories to bring out of the collection, like the sizeable collection of items about British wheelchair basketball legend George ‘Ginger’ Swindlehurst.

Whilst I will be moving on from NPHT, my commitment to inclusion and interest in disability will not end here. I continue to chip away at academic publications, such as my 2023 article and an upcoming book chapter soon to be published with Manchester University Press. I also co-found and co-run the UK Disability History and Heritage Hub, a small network for those interested in disability history. And as ever, I am sure I will find more ways to fill my time! Perhaps Paralympic research will find it’s way back to my agenda… 

I will really miss NPHT - the wonderful collections, stories, and exhibitions which share the important legacy of the Paralympics in the UK. Most of all, however, I’ll miss the people - the staff, volunteers, partners, and participants who make NPHT what is it is. I can’t wait to see where the museum (and collection) goes from here.

From all of us at NPHT, we wish Sam the very best in the next stage of his career. Until next time!